Victim dies in Vineland carjacking

Staff photo by Cindy HepnerVineland police gather evidence at Vineland Kosher Poultry Friday afternoon following a carjacking. The victim, a man in his late 60s, reportedly died of a heart attack.

By JASON LADAY

jladay@sjnewsco.comVINELAND -- A man who was the victim of a robbery and carjacking on Mill Road here around noon has died of a heart attack, according to police.

The incident took place just south of the intersection of Walnut and Mill roads, in the parking lot of Vineland Kosher Poultry, Inc. Police are describing the initial incident as a robbery in which a man died.

The victim, 72-year-old city resident Milton Belote, was transported to South Jersey Healthcare-Regional Medical Center and reportedly died there.

Police are looking for two men, one said to be armed with a handgun.

According to police, both men are 5 feet, 7 inches tall with thin build and short, curly dark hair and a mustache.

They are described as Hispanic males, one in his 20s, wearing a red shirt and blue jeans. The other, aged 18 to 20, is wearing a black or navy blue sweater, jeans and carrying a black bag.

According to Cumberland County Prosecutor Ron Casella, there is some indication Belote was held at gun point.

"He was feeling ill after the incident and emergency medical assistance was called," said Casella. "He was taken to RMC where he passed away."

Vineland Detective Lt. Thomas Ulrich in a statement released this evening said witness accounts indicate Belote was confronted outside his vehicle by two men. The assailants reportedly robbed and pulled the victim out of his truck at gunpoint.

The men then stole an "indeterminate" amount of cash, according to Ulrich.

"The suspects fled the area in the victim's vehicle east on Chestnut," he added.

Ulrich said at the scene an autopsy would confirm any specific cause of death.

Charges resulting from the carjacking could now include felony murder, since the victim died during the commission of a crime.

Roughly a dozen officers were processing the crime scene this afternoon. Police had taped off nearly the entire rear parking lot of the poultry facility.

A man who arrived at the scene after the crime occurred described the victim as a family friend. He said the Belote was a retired employee of the poultry facility who for years has provided loans for some workers at the plant and also cashed checks for those without the necessary identification.

Crime Stoppers of Vineland is offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to the suspects' identification and arrest. According to police, callers may remain anonymous and will be given a code number. Crime Stoppers can be reached at (856) 691-0345.